The Freedom Center’s next half century.
A recent grant of $550,000 from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services enabled the Freedom Center to purchase the building at 135 South Main Street.
With this transformational gift, the Freedom Center will be able to expand services, provide care for diverse populations in appropriate settings, and accommodate critical services for all who are in need of them. The location places the Freedom Center in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon where we are accessible to all for comprehensive care for addiction, mental health, prevention, and family support.
Impact on the Community
The demand for behavioral health services in Knox County is on an upward trajectory, but our capacity to keep pace is inadequate. Acquisition of the new site will enable the Freedom Center to hire more staff, expand the availability of quality behavioral healthcare and life-saving treatments for Knox County citizens, and increase the number of clients served. The expansion and more prominent location will make a clear difference in the quality of life for a substantial number of people, thereby contributing toward a more inclusive and accepting community. Now is the time to invest in the health and well-being of our community to ensure that we remain a place where families want to raise their children and know that they have the services they need right here in Knox County.
135 South Main Street Features
Expansion to the corner location in Downtown Mount Vernon will provide four distinct floors and enable the Freedom Center to create separate spaces for specialized treatment.
First floor: Entrance on Gambier Street and a spacious welcoming lobby. Retail space will remain on the Main Street storefront entrance.
Second floor: Mental Health Suite and Women’s Counseling Suite
Third floor: Children and Adolescent Suite, Prevention Suite
Basement: large open space, future location for community space and expansion
The current Freedom Center house at 106 East Gambier Street will be repurposed for much needed residential and recovery housing and intensive treatment programs.
Fundraising Goals
The grant from the State requires the Freedom Center to secure a 1:1 match, which means we must raise $550,000. As of February 15, 2022, we have received $100,000 from the Knox Community Foundation, $10,000 from the Energy Cooperative Operation Round-Up Grant, and we are currently waiting to hear from the Knox Mental Health and Recovery Board.
Recent Donors
Sonia Corrigan
James Giles
For matching campaign
Anonymous
Carol Emery
Kristina Caldwell
Please count this as a pledge of $1200 total toward the campaign match. $50 a month for 24 months.